Pete Biggs said:David Nutter said:It's the same rubbery stuff that surrounds the rails at level
crossings. This is grippier than the metal rail surrounds on older
level crossings, but less good than tarmac. I'd also be worried about
skid resistance under heavy braking by the likes of HGVs on this
surface, especially at junctions.If grip is low, does that mean rolling resistance is low as well?
Could be fast to ride on if so.Will cycles be allowed on these things anyway?
There are some issues to resolve
a) vehicle weights. On the radio, the MD of the company said suitable for
cars and light vans, and special light weight buses (ie a new vehicle
design). I concluded that 4 or 5 tonnes might be the limit.
b) road layout. Their illustrations show two single carriageway strips with
a central reservation. Now, as vehicles fail from time to time, there is
nowhere to pass the obstruction which would effectively close the road in
one direction.
Equally there is nowhere to pass a slower vehicle. So that would exclude
cyclists.
As a practical large-scale idea I think they'd glossed over a few important
details.
However it might have some niche applications; there might be the odd route
where a car-only bypass along a short piece of old trackbed might relieve
congestion nearby.
Which in turn could allow a "traditional buses and cyclists only" road to
work uncongested. And, they could install lots of "give way" junctions for
those using the car-route so it has all the advantages of a cycle-route:-).
- Nigel
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Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/